Chilean operator Entel aims to secure debt financing soon, partly for its new operations in Peru. It is also eyeing investment opportunities in Colombia, according to CEO Antoni Buchi.
Speaking at the Reuters Latin America Investment Summit, Buchi was…
Chilean operator Entel aims to secure debt financing soon, partly for its new operations in Peru. It is also eyeing investment opportunities in Colombia, according to CEO Antoni Buchi.
Speaking at the Reuters Latin America Investment Summit, Buchi was quoted saying that Entel is set to complete its US$400m takeover of Nextel Peru from the US’ NII Holdings in the third quarter.
Buchi also commented that Columbia interests the company, as Peru does, although it has no concrete investment plans there at present. He reportedly said the company is not looking at investment opportunities in Mexico, set to overhaul its telecoms sector.
In late April, Entel announced that it plans to invest US$700m in 2013 and US$2.2bn through to 2015. Investments will be funded with company resources and, if necessary, debt, the operator stated.
Buchi was quoted as saying at the summit that the company is currently considering issuing bonds domestically or internationally, partly to refinance existing debt. He reportedly added that the bond issue will happen “soon”, stressing that the company will need to tap debt markets with “slightly larger amounts”.
The company was not immediately available for further comment.
